Crane says contract extensions ‘positive for everybody’

JUPITER, Fla. — In the last week, it became clear the Astros are big fans of contract extensions for young players, even ones who aren’t established yet in the majors. Such contracts can prove to be huge bargains.

The subject at one point or another has been broached, to varying degrees, with Jason Castro, Robbie Grossman and Matt Dominguez and George Springer, or their agencies. Springer had an offer last year he turned down, reportedly for seven years and $23 million.

The Astros clearly feel, from a philosophical standpoint, locking up young players early — even if those players may not be proven or fully established in the majors — is an appropriate approach.

“The simple solution is, we want to get some long term out of these guys that are moving along steadily, and we think if it’s a good deal for them, it’s a good deal for us, and (it) keeps the guys in a little longer,” Astros owner Jim Crane said Sunday. “We think that’s good for the team and it gives them some certainty. So I think it’s a positive for everybody. Whether they’ll sign ’em or not, that’s their business, and they got to make their own decisions.

“You see the Cardinals do it in a big way. It works for them and some of the more successful teams that do it. Tampa locking in their third baseman (Evan Longoria). Team friendly deals are good for the team, and give the player some certainty.”